MC vs MM

[Axcel]

You've just never heard a really nice MM before then

Begs the question what is the average price of a nice MC and what would you have to spend to achieve a close rival in a MM or is that possible?

 

[Bassphil]

If I want to try a MC cartridge, can I buy a step up transformer, or would I have to buy a whole new phone pre?

 

[dkelley]

If I want to try a MC cartridge, can I buy a step up transformer, or would I have to buy a whole new phone pre?

DIY MC Step Up Transformer thread in the DIY section of AK

 

[Balifly]

The AT 30 E cartridge utilise an AT 630 transformer (47k) that plugs into the usual phono input.
The price for the transformer is about the same as some new phono pre unit.

 

[Kjell-B]

I have tried lots of MC cartridges on various expensive turntables, but always go back to my vintage Shure M91 ED (DM103-ME) using an original 70/80's US-made stylus retipped with a modern low mass fine line diamond (Expert, UK).

The modern Shure replacement styli are of no use, just for the trashcan.

Especially the high-output moving coils were disappointing, with a dull sound lacking dynamics. For example the Denon DL-160.

 

[Elroy]

MC: Denon DL-301 II
Love it, but apparently the stylus must be changed by a Denon tech :sigh:

 

[Gang-Twanger]

I can't say one is better than the other. To me both designs sound beautiful when its a great cartridge to begin with.

I have to admit though my V15 III is still king of the hill.

That's a sweet Thorens (God, I want a TD160 in the worst way).

 

[Pavlov]

I'm using a Grado Black (MM) and a Stanton 681eee (MI?).
It's the final part of my system-upgrade: a nice cartridge. I bought just this week a nice mc step-up Denon HA 1000, which is specificly built for the dl103 cartridge (LOMC) so I'll probably order this one next week. Really looking forward to it:yes:

 

[NAD C375BEE]

No mention of the AT OC9 ??? For under $400 you get amazing value, it punches way above its weight and worth your attention.

 

[Bassphil]

Okay, I'm hooked. I had a NOS Apature MC-150 lying around that I finally got around to setting up. It's a high output MC. Wow, I have to say that it bested my Grado Signature 8M moving iron cart (which in turn bested my Grado Gold).

I was so excited by what I heard, I decided to buy a Benz Micro Gold someone was selling. I got a great price on a nearly new cartridge.

I'm officially hooked- this Benz sounds amazing! I have enough gain with my current phono pre, as long as I turn the amp volume up to somewhere between 1 and 3 o'clock. I can turn it all the way up and everything is still dead silent, which surprised me. Not bad for an all tube setup

That said, I think that I'm going to try to find a good step-up transformer. I wonder if, even though the sound level is comfortable at 3 o'clock, I'm working my amp too hard. Feel free to chime in on that one.

Actually, fee free to chime in with a recommendation for a good stepup transformer for a Benz as well.

 

[w1jim]

I wonder if, even though the sound level is comfortable at 3 o'clock, I'm working my amp too hard. Feel free to chime in on that one.

No, I don't think that effects how hard your amp is working. You're still presenting the same level signal to the actual amplifier stage. If the knob is turned to "11" but the input signal is low then the ultimate signal to the amp is the same.
The step up transformer may give you the ability to play the music louder though.
JimB

 

[danj]

There are about a dozen good carts in inventory but none are moving coil type. I'm currently using a Pickering XV15-625E on the 1019 and a Grado Silver on the PL570. My best cartridge is probably the Grace F8L, which is a MM type.

 

[SaSi]

An Ortofon MC20MkII is what brought me back to vinyl. I have a decent stash of Ortofon MC carts, some lightly used some new.

There is a significant difference between an MC and an MM/MI cart. For Jazz and classical, I wouldn't like an MM/MI cart. Rock and Metal *need* the "roughness" of the MM type. MC sounds too polite (lol) with these types of music.

 

[jblnut]

No mention of the AT OC9 ??? For under $400 you get amazing value, it punches way above its weight and worth your attention.

I have one and absolutely love it. It should be on everyone's list of serious contenders in that price range. It tracks superbly, has unbelivable highs and incredible detail. I also love the gold plated cantilever - it seems to repel dust and almost never needs to be cleaned. It is rated as a low output MC, but some would call it a mid. You still need a step up, but it puts out enough voltage that noise is not an issue (something I could not say with the Ortofon low output MC I had used previously).

:thmbsp:

jblnut

 

[slow_jazz]

My receiver only has MM phono.